A Birmingham mother is fighting for justice after her son’s killer fled the country and avoided serving his prison sentence.
Jack Ryan’s family has launched a campaign urging that individuals accused of serious crimes be required to surrender their passports as a condition of bail.
This campaign follows the case of Rashad Ali, a Range Rover driver convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. Ali killed 29-year-old Aston Villa fan and marketing executive Jack Ryan, who was out jogging near Battersea Bridge in west London on January 13, 2021. Ali was driving at nearly double the 20mph speed limit when the fatal collision occurred.
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Despite being convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, Ali had already left the UK for Pakistan before his trial, as he still possessed his passport. He is believed to have remarried and has been spotted traveling internationally, including to Dubai.
Jack grew up in Sutton Coldfield and was soon to become a father before his tragic death. His sister Ciara initiated the passport campaign, while their mother Teresa spoke to BirminghamLive about the family’s pain and frustration.
Teresa shared, “If Ali had stood in court, admitted his wrongdoing, and served his sentence, we could have found some closure.” She added, “Because that didn’t happen, it feels so unfair that he’s living his life freely. We believe he has started a new life abroad, and we have little faith he will return voluntarily.”
The family’s campaign has gained significant support, with over 1,800 signatures on their petition so far. Teresa hopes that reforming bail laws to prevent accused serious offenders from fleeing will send a meaningful message in Jack’s memory.
She said, “The current bail laws are flawed. Just because someone is supposed to appear in court, doesn’t guarantee they will. People shouldn’t be able to escape their responsibilities by leaving the country.”
For Jack’s family, this fight is about ensuring no one else experiences the injustice they have endured. Teresa concluded, “It’s heartbreaking to face a court where the person responsible isn’t present and won’t pay the price for their actions. I wouldn’t want any other family to go through this.”